Don't Forget About Your Smoke Alarms
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As we prepare to "spring" our clocks forward this weekend the Mendham Fire Department would like to remind you to take some time this weekend to change the batteries in your own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.
According to the National Fire Protection Association more than 66 percent of home fire deaths that occurred between 2003-2006 were in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button, if it has one.
Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.
Choosing an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarm and keep it in tip top condition. Remember to take note of the date it was manufactured--If your smoke alarm was installed more than 10 years ago, it needs to be replaced.
For additional information and resources about smoke alarms, please visit mendhamfd.org.
Russ Crespolini
9:43 am on Friday, March 9, 2012
I purchased one of those really long lasting 10-year guaranteed to not need a battery smoke detector for my upstairs. What are your thoughts on those?
Mendham Fire Dept.
10:18 am on Friday, March 9, 2012
Long-life lithiums are still an emerging technology, but the good news is that the technology (batteries) are getting better and better every year--and smoke alarms are an ideal application for them.
In a perfect world we'd all remember to test our alarms monthly, and replace the batteries every 6 months to a year, but we don't, so the perks of that fancy battery really kick-in here.
On the down-side, according to the USFA, you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery (if it fails or goes to a low-battery chirp) the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, if the battery lasts as long as advertised, this isn't an issue since you should replace your units every 8 to 10 years anyway.
Russ Crespolini
2:08 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
I need to show this to my wife. My goal was not to have to get up on the ladder to replace the thing twice a year.
(I am afraid of heights...one of the many reasons I could never be a fireman).
She was convinced it wouldn't work.
Also...since my cooking almost always sets off the alarm, does that count as a test?
Mendham Fire Dept.
7:37 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
Very funny, but an effective plan. Officially we can't say that your burnt dinner counts as a test, but logic dictates that it does :)
You also bring up an important point... never disable a smoke alarm when you cook--instead open a window, door or take cooking lessons.
Tracy Tobin
8:17 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
Mendham Fire Department
Good reminder about a basic safety issue. Testing and battery replacement on a regular basis avoids property damage, injuries to residents and emergency personnel, and potential damage to neighboring properties. A lot of newer residents in Morris County don't realize that they are protected by volunteer fire fighters who would much prefer to educate homeowners about potential risks than have to deal with the potentially fatal consequences of not taking practical precautions. Thank you to all emergency service volunteers regardless of what town you serve in.
Russ Crespolini
9:26 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
Good point Tracy. So few actually understand the origin of the services they have. What is that expression, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?
And truthfully I set the alarm off nearly every time I make anything. I have learned to live with it by making my food "cajun" style so "blackened" is part of its appeal...